Mildred ‘Milly’ Cataffo

August 5, 2012

Mildred "Milly" Cataffo, 84, of Gloversville, passed away Wednesday, August 1, at Nathan Littauer Hospital, Gloversville, with her loving children at her side.

Milly was born August 17, 1927, in Gloversville, N.Y. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Reva Risko. She was predeceased by both her first husband, James E. Sprung and second husband, Attorney Mario J. Cataffo, whom she married in April 1960. Milly was also predeceased by her very "dear companion" Joseph Fagiani.

Milly was a 1943 graduate of Gloversville High School and then attended Nathan Littauer Hospital School of Nursing. She began her career as a dental assistant for Dr. Joseph Berg in Gloversville. In April 1974, she was honored with a volunteer service award from the Mental Health Association in recognition of her dedication to raising awareness regarding mental health. She was recently employed by the dental office of Dr. Gary DeSanto-Rose in Johnstown, where she worked for over 25 years.

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Mrs. Cataffo

Milly proudly raised five children who were the joys of her life. She spoke often of how she cherished every minute of being a mother. A selfless person, she always put the needs of her children and family above herself. She was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed preparing traditional favorites for her family to enjoy. In her spare time, she took great pleasure in caring for her home, and devoted countless hours to her gardening. She was also a member of the Mohawk Valley Choir. Milly loved spending her summers at her camp on Mountain Lake in Bleecker. An avid fan of the New York Yankees, she would often stay up into the wee hours of the night to cheer them on with her television at full volume.

She is survived by her two sons, James C. Sprung of Gloversville, N.Y. and Michael C. Cataffo of Buffalo, N.Y., three daughters, Anne M. Jones (Fred) of Mayfield, N.Y., Emily S. MacKinnon of Yardley, PA and Nancy J. Siegle (Randy) of Gloversville, N.Y.; two nephews, Louis Cataffo of Johnstown, N.Y. and Anthony Cataffo Jr. (Betty) of Scottsdale, AZ; brother-in-law Anthony Cataffo Sr., of Scottsdale, AZ.; ten grandchildren, Michael, Mathew, Megan, John, Shane, Bryce, Mario, Anthony, Rochelle and Dean. She was blessed in February 2012 by her first great-grandchild, Evelia Marie, whom she said made her life complete.

A long-time member of The Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville, Milly was a kind soul with a ready smile. She will be sorely missed.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 6 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be conducted 9:15 a.m. Tuesday followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 S. Main St; Gloversville. Interment will take place at Broadalbin Mayfield Rural Cemetery, Broadalbin. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.